NON-Acid Reflux

luckyme · August 12, 2006

I had a small fill, 0.25cc a week ago. This was the first additional fill in 8 months for me, bringing me to a total of 2.5cc's in a 4 cc band. I don't feel like I am too tight as nothing is getting stuck, and I'm not feeling hard or soft stop signs, so I just stop after 1/2 to 1 cup of food. I haven't PB'd in al least 6 months. I got my appetitite control back which is what I was hoping to accomplish with this fill.

As soon as I fall asleep at night, I wake up again with coughing and Fluid in my throat. No bitter taste like acid, but I can taste what I last ate, even if it was 6 or more hours ago. I'll wake up several times a night like this. I've tried drinking a lot of Water after my last meal. I'm avoiding caffeine and alcohol. I'm eating my last meal 5 - 6 hours before going to bed. I started taking Prevacid again.

It sort of feels like there is some "sludge" remaining in my pouch that keeps fluids from going through the band when I lay flat. I really don't want this fill out as I was stuck at the same weight for over 3 months. I'm finally starting to see the scale move again, but I know that I can't allow myself to keep having reflux.

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Lucky

1/31/05

275/160/145

Alexandra · August 13, 2006

Lucky, I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. I even think I posted about it in precisely those terms: non-acid reflux.

It's reflux, though, no question about it. It's a tad less unpleasant than if acid is involved, but no less a sign of a negative situation. You are too tight. You might also have a slip or hernia situation, but not necessarily. At this point it may be due to swelling, so baby yourself and it may pass as your body gets used to the fill. After a while if neither behavior modification nor medication is helping, you may need an unfill to set things straight.

Don't fear the unfill. It's a MUCH better tack to take than risking some damage. And it doesn't necessarily mean you'll gain weight. You'll sleep better, be able to eat better, and after some time has passed you'll see where you stand. The band is ADJUSTABLE, remember, so don't be afraid to have it adjusted. Your health and comfort is the most important thing. :hug:

paula · August 13, 2006

I agee with Alex - sounds like reflux to me too!

Incase it takes a few days to get an unfill, try resting on your side or tummy (instead of your back) and see if this helps. It may or may not.

There's a whole slew of other things to do to avoid or reduce night time reflux, but the sleeping position was something Ive learned on my own.

luckyme · August 14, 2006

Thanks for the feedback,

I've only had one brief episode each of the last 2 nights. I think that limiting my portion sizes to 1/2 cup and at waiting at least 2 hours to drink after eating is helping. I'm going to give it a few more days to try to get down to zero episodes of reflux, before I call for an unfill. At least all the limitations I've put on myself for now are resulting in weight loss, so at least if I end up getting a little out, I'll feel like I've made some progress.

It still bothers me that I don't get the stop signs like I did before, but It's been at least 6 months since I've had the "can't take another bite" feeling. No PB's though. It still makes me wonder if I'm a bit stretched. My doc talked about doing an upper GI 1 - 2 years after surgery (fills without flouro) so maybe it's time to get that done. I'm terrified of having a complete unfill, but sure don't want to risk long term problems with my band.